Main Features & Characteristics

1. Core Protection Functions

The REF 615 is a multi-function protection device integrating several key functions, including:

• Overcurrent Protection: Provides instantaneous, definite time, and inverse time overcurrent protection, serving as the primary defense against short-circuit and overload faults.

• Earth Fault Protection: Offers sensitive earth fault detection, including instantaneous and definite time earth fault protection, suitable for effectively grounded, resistance-grounded, or compensated networks.

• Auto-reclosing: Features built-in auto-reclosing functionality to automatically restore power after transient faults (e.g., lightning strikes, contact with debris), significantly improving power supply reliability.

• Circuit Breaker Failure Protection: Initiates a backup tripping command to isolate the fault if the circuit breaker fails to open upon a detected fault.

2. Control & Monitoring Functions

• Circuit Breaker Control: Provides local and remote open/close control for the circuit breaker.

• Measurement & Metering: Monitors and displays electrical parameters in real-time, such as current, voltage, power, power factor, frequency, and energy.

• Event Recording: Logs all operations, alarms, and fault events with precise timestamps for simplified fault analysis.

• Fault Disturbance Recording: Captures current and voltage waveforms before, during, and after a fault, providing invaluable data for post-incident analysis.

• Condition Monitoring: Tracks circuit breaker operation counts, operating mechanism status, and more.

3. Communication & Integration

• Communication Protocols: Supports standard protocols like IEC 61850 (Station and Process Level), IEC 60870-5-103, Modbus® RTU, and DNP3.0, enabling seamless integration into Substation Automation Systems (SAS).

• Hardware Interfaces: Typically equipped with multiple Ethernet ports and serial communication ports for connection to a local HMI or remote control system.

4. Hardware & User-Friendly Design

• Rugged Construction: Designed for harsh industrial environments, complying with relevant EMC and environmental standards.

• Human-Machine Interface (HMI): The front panel features a large graphical LCD display and navigation keys for easy local data viewing, setting modification, and control.

• Compact Design: Housed in a compact case suitable for installation in space-limited switchgear.

Technical Specification Summary (Based on generic REF 615 specs)

• Auxiliary Supply: Typically supports various DC (e.g., 24-48 V DC, 110-125 V DC, 220-250 V DC) and AC voltage options.

• Input Signals:

  • Current: Typically 5A or 1A, from Current Transformers (CTs).

  • Voltage: Supports phase and residual voltage measurement, from Voltage Transformers (VTs).

• Binary Inputs/Outputs: Provides multiple configurable digital inputs (status signals) and relay outputs (for tripping, signaling, etc.).

• Standards: Complies with a range of international standards, including IEC 60255 and IEC 61000.

Application Scenarios

The REF 615 is widely used in:

• Industrial Sector: Medium-voltage distribution systems in factories, mines, petrochemical plants, and data centers.

• Utility Sector: Protection for 10kV or 35kV feeders in substations.

• Infrastructure: Power distribution networks for airports, seaports, railways, and commercial complexes.

• Renewable Energy: Collector line protection for wind farms and photovoltaic power plants.